San Diego Chargers Release SS Atari Bigby

Following yesterday's news of the San Diego Chargers releasing Takeo Spikes, the team announced today that they have released another veteran starter from the 2012 team in Strong Safety Atari Bigby.

In releasing these two players, the Chargers have saved $4.5 million in cap space that they can use in free agency (which technically doesn't start until Tuesday, although teams can start talking to free agents tonight).

Bigby started the first 11 games of the 2012 season for the Chargers, his first season as a starting position player since 2009. He was repeatedly gashed for big plays due to his poor coverage skills and tackling form. He eventually lost his starting job to rookie Brandon Taylor before both players ended the season on the Injured-Reserve list.

Brandon Taylor is not expect to be ready for the start of the season. That was Bigby's best chance at returning to the Chargers and getting another chance at Strong Safety, but apparently John Pagano and the Chargers' Front Office had had enough. The team is now down to zero healthy Strong Safety candidates on the roster for 2013, which is a sign that they'll be looking for a couple through both free agency and the 2013 NFL Draft.

Atari Bigby

#26 / Strong Safety / Free Agent

Height: 5-11

Weight: 215

Born: Sep 19, 1981

College: UCF